By Omowumi Omotosho
The death of a 35-year-old man, Tunji Jimoh, in police custody has sparked outrage in Ilorin, Kwara State, with the Erubu-Asunnara community demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Jimoh, a father and poultry worker from the Erubu/Asunnara community in Ilorin South Local Government Area, was reportedly arrested on Friday, December 20, 2024, over a debt of ₦220,000 owed to a colleague, Mr. Peter, whose brother is allegedly a police officer.
Reports indicate that Jimoh was taken to the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) at the Kwara State Police Command headquarters, where he was detained without bail. Family members, who left the station late Friday night after being denied access to him, were informed the following morning that Jimoh had died in custody.
Allegations of torture have emerged, with sources claiming that Jimoh was mistreated during detention due to an unresolved agreement with his creditor. The police, however, have suggested suicide, a claim disputed by Jimoh’s family and community, who argue that the cell’s structure makes such an act impossible.
Police Confirm Incident
In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate.
“The state police command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic death of one Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read.
DSP Adeyemi added that investigations into the incident have commenced. “No stone will be left unturned,” the statement assured.
Community Demands Justice
The Erubu-Asunnara community, in a press release signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim O. Mujeeb, and Acting General Secretary, Comrade Hassan Taiye Erubu, expressed grief and anger over the incident.
“It is heartbreaking that Tunji’s lifeless body was deposited at a mortuary without the family’s consent,” the statement read. The community described Jimoh as a hardworking and generous individual whose death has left his family and community in deep sorrow.
The community has called on the Inspector General of Police, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene and ensure justice is served. They have also appealed to the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), human rights organizations, and civil society groups for support.
“Tunji’s death must not go unpunished. We demand justice for his family, our community, and humanity,” the statement concluded, adding a call for public support under the hashtag #JusticeForTunji.
Public Reactions
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with activists and community leaders decrying the alleged abuse of power by the police. Many have taken to social media to demand accountability and reform within the police force.
As investigations continue, the family and community are urging authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in uncovering the truth behind Tunji Jimoh’s tragic death.
